Margaux

Pearl, through Marguerite

Margaux is a French feminine name with the inherited meaning “pearl”. It belongs to the Marguerite family through the short form Margot. The pearl image lends it an understated elegance, while its link to the longer name gives it a classic feel. In French, Margaux and Margot sound alike: /maʁ.ɡo/. The g is hard, the x is silent, and the ending is a clear o sound. On the page, -aux gives Margaux a decorative flourish that its brief spoken form does not suggest. If you like Margot’s sound but prefer a more embellished spelling, that contrast is part of Margaux’s appeal.

Etymology: A French spelling variant of Margot, the short form of Marguerite. The name family goes back through Latin Margarita to Greek margarites, “pearl”.